Welcome!

All sessions and technical exhibits will take place in the George R. Brown Convention Center, 1001 Avenida de las Americas in Houston. The education program and professional program will offer a significant opportunity to gain practical knowledge on emerging technical and professional issues. A major focus of the scientific program is the increasing integration of advanced imaging concepts in the routine practice of various therapies, especially radiotherapy.

Houston, Texas is home to the world's largest concentration of medical professionals. The world-renowned Texas Medical Center is home to more than 42 institutions, including the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center and Baylor College of Medicine.

The Main Event area of downtown Houston spans Main Street between Capitol and Congress. This pedestrian-friendly location showcases some of the city's best restaurants, nightlife and entertainment. Just a few blocks away is the Houston Theater District, ranked second in the nation for the number of theater seats in a concentrated downtown area.

We know you'll find the program and venue especially worthwhile this year, as we celebrate our Golden Anniversary.

AAPM in a Green Partnership with Houston

AAPM staff members realize the amount of waste created by a single meeting. Most
green ideas cost nothing extra, and some even save our association money. In an effort to
be more environmentally responsible, we're working as partners with Houston in the
following ways:

The pocket program will be printed on 30% post-consumer recycled paper with soy-based
ink.

This year AAPM is providing a complimentary water bottle in every tote bag. We ask that you fill your water bottles from one of the 18 water coolers in the convention meeting space or exhibit halls. Bottled water produces up to 1.5 million tons of plastic waste per year. Your complimentary water bottle will be made from
high density polyethylene (HDPE) which is safe for repeated use.

Look for recycling bins for bottles, newspapers and general trash in the convention center.

Brede Exposition Services, our official service contractor, produces signs on reusable
Sintra
plastic.
Brede reuses, then recycles miles of carpet.
Aluminum and cardboard from the show floor is recycled.

AAPM convention hotels in Houston conserve energy and water. Unless
directed by guests, hotels will launder bed linens every other day and at check-out, and
launder towels only when left on the floor.

The George R. Brown Convention Center replaced its original boilers with energy efficient boilers
that decrease NOX exhaust to the atmosphere.

The Hilton-Americas uses energy-saving thermostats in guest rooms. These automatically
turn off as soon as a guest checks out of their room and do not turn on again until another
guest checks in.

The Hilton-Americas valet-parks Hybrid vehicles for free!

Convention Communications, AAPM's designated door drop partner, has implemented a new initiative. For each company participating in our door drop service, Convention Communications will have a native tree planted in a U.S. ecosystem restoration project to offset the resources used in printing and the carbon used for transportation. They have also asked participanting companies to consider the environment when they design and print their materials.

What's New in 2008?

We're celebrating 50 years of medical physics January through December, 2008. We hope you'll participate in the following special events in July in Houston:

Golden Anniversary Service Project - Houston Food BankDoes your travel schedule allow you to arrive in Houston a day early? You and your family members are invited to volunteer at the Houston Food Bank on Saturday, July 26, 8:00am-Noon. The Houston Food Bank is a certified member of America's Second Harvest. 80,000 people are fed each week with the help of volunteers. Click here for more information and to register.

Meet the Charter Members Reception, Monday July 28
On Monday, July 28 a reception will be held in honor of AAPM's Charter members,
5:00pm-6:00pm, just prior to the Awards and Honors Ceremony in the convention center. Honor our past, by chatting with the members responsible for creating and growing the profession. Refreshments will be served.

Enjoy Lunch on AAPM - Monday and Tuesday
Each Scientific Attendee at the Annual Meeting will receive TWO $10 lunch vouchers with their registration materials. This voucher is good for $10 towards your food and/or beverage purchase at any George R. Brown Convention Center food outlet in Hall D-E. One voucher is valid for Monday, and one for Tuesday, Hours: 11:00am - 1:00pm only